Japanese game developer Monochrome Corp. and Good Smile Company have announced IGNISPHERE, a new original intellectual property designed to expand across video games, merchandise and publishing. Its first game, the action RPG DAWNGAZER, is currently in development for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, with a planned 2028 release.
The project is being led by Takafumi Noma, director of Unicorn Overlord, through IGNISPHERE Studio. Monochrome is handling planning and development, while Good Smile Company will oversee publishing and promotion.
IGNISPHERE Introduces a New Fantasy Universe
The announcement comes as Monochrome celebrates its 15th anniversary. The company has partnered with Good Smile Company to establish IGNISPHERE as both a fictional universe and the name of the development studio led by Noma.
IGNISPHERE is described as an original world encompassing numerous nations and races, with plans to tell stories across several forms of entertainment.
Noma previously worked as a programmer on multiple games and served as director of Unicorn Overlord, contributing to development areas including its story and character design. With IGNISPHERE, he plans to take a similarly hands-on approach to creating a cohesive setting.
The companies said the property will begin with games before expanding into additional media.
DAWNGAZER Becomes First IGNISPHERE Game
Action RPG Scheduled for 2028
DAWNGAZER will serve as the first video game set within the IGNISPHERE universe.
Monochrome and Good Smile Company have begun joint development of the action RPG, with IGNISPHERE Studio leading production. The game is scheduled for release in 2028 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and PC through Steam.
Planned language support includes Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
A teaser video introducing the broader IGNISPHERE world has been released alongside the announcement. The project’s official X account also launched Sept. 25 and will provide future updates about both the new IP and DAWNGAZER.
Yoshimi Kudo Composing Music for DAWNGAZER
Composer Yoshimi Kudo is providing music for the project. Kudo’s previous credits include Unicorn Overlord and ELDEN RING.
The music featured in the IGNISPHERE teaser was composed and arranged by Kudo. KOCHO, who has contributed vocals to productions including the television drama Unnatural, handled vocals and singer coordination.
The teaser music features vocals from KOCHO, SAK. and Maki Takimoto, with Wataru Mukai performing cello.
IGNISPHERE Planned as a Multimedia Franchise
The companies are positioning IGNISPHERE as more than a standalone game project.
Figures and Merchandise Planned With Good Smile Company
Monochrome and Good Smile Company intend to expand the property into merchandise, including figures. Good Smile Company, known for its collectibles and figure business, will serve as the primary contact for merchandising opportunities tied to IGNISPHERE.
The partnership gives the companies a path to develop physical products alongside the video game releases as the fictional universe grows.
Light Novels in Development With KADOKAWA
IGNISPHERE is also expanding into publishing.
Multiple light novel projects based within the universe are currently in development with KADOKAWA’s Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint. Specific titles, release dates and story details have not yet been announced.
Takafumi Noma Discusses Development of New IP
An interview with Noma has also been published by Japanese gaming outlets Dengeki Online and Famitsu.com.
The interview covers the origins of IGNISPHERE and provides additional background on the development of DAWNGAZER, offering an early look at the creative process behind the new franchise.
Monochrome, headquartered in Nishinomiya in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, provides game development services ranging from asset creation and engineering to full development, along with animation and video production.
Tokyo-based Good Smile Company operates across figures and merchandise, games, animation, video and music production and other businesses.
With DAWNGAZER targeting a 2028 launch and light novels and merchandise already in development, IGNISPHERE is being established from the outset as a broader entertainment property spanning games, publishing and collectibles.
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